Check out the new Audi Q7 at the Audi Showroom at Kiarong

Rejuvenated and improved- The new generation Audi Q7.

It’s been 10 years since the first generation Q7 was introduced globally, successfully launching Audi’s entry into the SUV segment.

Luxurious comfort, the largest interior in the segment and a weight saving of up to 325 kilograms (716.5 lb) – the new generation Q7 from Audi sets new standards. Its innovative assistance and infotainment systems take the large SUV to the front of the pack. Its new engines consume significantly less fuel (28%) than the previous model. The new generation Q7 has been completely redesigned both inside and out featuring a wider-stance appearance yet is narrower by 32mm and shorter by 37mm than the previous model.

The new Q7 is the lightest car in its class

The 2.0 petrol turbo variant with seven-seats has an unladen weight (without the driver) of merely 2,050 kilograms (4,519 lb) – up to 325 kilograms (716.5 lb) less than the predecessor model, depending on the equipment. With its lightweight, multi-material body and all-new chassis, it provides excellent comfort while at the same time offering the performance of a sporty Audi – and that with top-notch CO2 values.

Dynamics as standard

Powerful engines combined with a dynamic suspension and the lightweight body make the Q7 the dynamic car among large SUVs. Just a few years ago these performance data were still the prerogative of sports cars. The 2.0 TFSI with 185 kW (250 hp) and the 3.0 TFSI V6 with 245 kW (333 hp) bring the new Audi Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.1 seconds and 6.3 seconds respectively, all the while with unusually low fuel consumption. The 2.0 TFSI needs only 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres and emits only 182 grams of CO2 per kilometre (288.1 g/mi). Both 2.0 and 3.0 engines are paired with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission with a new yacht style gear shifter.

Many reasons to love the Audi Q7

The back seat can be automatically folded from a 7-seater to a 5-seater. Quite spacious as well.

Loving the new facelift of the Audi Q7 as compared to the older version

The engine area of the Audi Q7

The media taking shots of the beaut

Innovative operation and display

The new Audi Q7 also sets standards when it comes to operating concept, infotainment and connectivity. The second-generation modular infotainment platform is optionally on board; the new MMI control unit (featuring an 8.3” retractable screen) using a large central operation knob is intuitive and simple. The BOSE® sound system with 3D sound (for the 3.0) is a further added innovation. Audi’s Drive Select can change the vehicle’s driving characteristics at a touch of button; 5 and 6 modes in the 2.0 and 3.0 respectively.

Another highlight is the passenger safety system –Audi pre sense basic initiates measures such as tensioning of the front seat belts, activates the hazard lights and closing of sun-roof (if any) and windows when an imminent impact is detected.

The Audi Q7 has recently been awarded the EURO NCAP ‘5-stars’ safety rating and its American equivalent Top Safety Pick+ Award from IIHS.

A host of premium features

Auto luggage door featuring ‘kick’ motion open/closing, auto-fold up/down on 3rd row seats, ambient interior lighting, parking aid with rear-view camera, power assisted closing for doors and four-zone climate control. Double-arrow daytime running lights give emphasis to the front LED headlights and complimented by unique LED rear lights. 20” ten-spoke design wheels round off the entire package.

All-wheel-steering with additional rear axle steerability for greater driving agility and manoeuvrability will be offered on the 3.0 variant.

What I feel: I had the Audi Q7 for a quick spin and I wished I had more time experiencing it. I’m not used to the big size but I was already enjoying the ride itself. The driver area is very spacious and comfortable. I shall wait for the actual launch and you might come across some Q7 on the road. The Audi Q7 will definitely attract some potential buyers in the country. Do visit their showroom at Kiarong and take it for a test drive.

The group shot with the local media

This is very convenient especially when you put on P

The older Audi Q7 which is 10 years ago

The facelift Audi Q7 (white) with the older model

Aziz enjoying the ride

I was playing it cool too 😀 This monster does pack a punch.

 

Shane on his leap of faith at Wrestlemania 32

What I feel: I kinda enjoyed this year’s Wrestlemania for some reason. I can’t believe it last almost 5 hours and I’m a subscriber of the WWE Network through Kristal Astro. Yes, there were some disappointments along the way and I was hoping for my favourite wrestler, Seth Rollins, to pop out of nowhere but I guess he hasn’t fully recovered yet. The difference between last year and this year is the ending. Don’t expect any anti-climax stingers in the end. There’s nothing much to expect and the results seemed predictable for the main event.

I was impressed with the Women’s championship match though Charlotte still needs to sharpen her execution on some of the moves. It was still better than her previous PPV matches and time will tell that she developed into one of the consistent stars in WWE roster. The new WWE women’s belt also give more recognition on the rise of women wrestlers. So kudos to WWE.

As for my favourite match, I don’t have any honestly and perhaps the closest one is The Undertaker and Shane O’Mac because of the intensity and the spots. I have so much respect for Shane in the ring and he hasn’t been active for the past 6 years. He definitely stole the hearts of the fans in Dallas. The biggest mismatch was definitely Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose in a street fight match.

Overall, this was an entertaining PPV with a disappointing ending. Regardless Jason Rumpun and I still had a blast. Verdict: 8.5/10

Lita, WWE Hall of Fame inductee, unveiling the new WWE Women’s Championship Belt

Stephanie McMahon introducing Triple H before the main event. She’s still hot 😀

 

The team behind Motoring BN with Project Manager Rosli Abdullah and Editorial Coordinator Redzwan Kamarudin during the press conference last week

Motoring BN, the no.1 local motoring lifestyle magazine, is set to launch next week at the upcoming Motoring BN Autoshow 2016, which will take place from April 7 to 10 at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s open court.

Organised by Brunei’s No 1 Motoring lifestyle magazine publisher, CONFEX, the grand showcase is held to commemorate the magazine’s first year anniversary.

Do expect a new issue during the four day event.

There will be a “Dealer Showcase Days”, something for car enthusiasts if you want to make your dream car into a reality. As for the public, you are more than welcome to visit during the weekend (Public Display Days”.

During the press conference at the CONFEX lounge, Project Manager Rosli Abdullah and Editorial Coordinator Redzwan Kamarudin announced that the event would include participation from local car and bike clubs such as classic car groups and Darussalam Motorcycle Association (PEMODA).

And guess who will be helping them out? The Collective Arts 😀 So do expect vendors to participate during the four day event.

For enquiries on the Motoring BN Autoshow 2016, you may contact Rosli at 8639681 or Redzwan at 8639681 and follow Motoring BN on Facebook and instagram @motoringbn

 

Late post: Jason Ang Kok Khiong won himself a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. It was part of the “Register Your Interest” Raffle Draw organised by T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd in conjunction with the launch of the SsangYong Tivoli. Jason received the prize from Anisson, T.C.Y. Motors Motor Marketing Manager.

Check out the latest SsangYong Tivoli. Click image to enter website.

BIBD recently participated in the 9th Muzakarah Cendekiawan Syariah Nusantara on the 10th and 11th of June at the Hotel Millennium, Jakarta. The dialogue’s organiser, The International Sharia Research Academy for Islamic Finance has chosen to partner with Universiti Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah to bring the theme, “Innovative Contemporary Islamic Financial Products for the Development of the Social-Economy of Muslims”. The discussions were focused on current financial issues pertaining to “Refinancing and Restructuring” and “Applications of Hajah (needs) in Innovative Products.”

BIBD Shariah Advisory Body member and Director of the Mazhab Shafi’i Research Centre at the Universiti Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani was involved in the first discussion regarding the concept of Hajah and its applications in Islamic finance.

On the second day, BIBD Product Manager Hjh Adinah binti Hj Jamudin was involved in the discussions on the applications of Shariah-compliant concepts in developing and offering products that will assist in generating socio-economic benefits to the Muslim community, especially the non-bankable segment. These products can be materialised by strengthening corporation between Islamic financial institutions and social finance institutions to utilise Wakaf, Zakat, Islamic wealth management, micro-finance and micro-Takaful. They also discussed equity-based financing products such as Musyarakah that can be applied in Islamic wealth management where both parties can benefit from a financial partnership.

BIBD Shariah Advisory Body Chairman and Deputy State Mufti, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin (3rd from left), BIBD Shariah Advisory Body member and Director of the Mazhab Shafi’i Research Centre at the Universiti Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani (4th from left) and other members from the Shariah body of BIBD. Image courtesy of BIBD.

The main objectives of the dialogue were to create general understanding between Shariah scholars in the region through academic discussions on multiple issues related to Islamic finance. The dialogue also serves as a regional platform for scholars, academics and practitioners of Islamic finance to share ideas, knowledge and experiences, and to share latest developments in the Islamic finance industry.

Also part of the BIBD representatives were BIBD Shariah Advisory Body Chairman and Deputy State Mufti, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin, along with its member, Yang Mulia Dr Awang Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yusof, Head of Research, State Mufti Department. BIBD was also represented by Head of its Shariah Department, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Hanifah binti Haji Jenan along with Shariah Assistant Manager, Muhammad Takzimallah bin Haji Ahmad Sanuddin.

The two-day event was launched by Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. The event was attended by around a hundred delegations ranging from scholars, academics and practitioners from Islamic financial institutions, from member ASEAN countries.

 

Izam Said, editor of CONFEX, during the press conference last Friday

Having another magazine in Brunei means there are things to showcase to the eyes of the public. I know Izam Said for quite some time and he is passionate about one thing – cars, cars and cars. He used to be feature writer on the automative section (On The Road) of The Brunei Times and I’ve always love his insights and opinions on the cars he test drove. Now it’s good to know he is venturing into something that he is passionate about and everyone has a story to share just like Izam.

Last week, I had the privilege to be invited to a press conference held at CONFEX. For your info, CONFEX is a local events management company which has run a series of team building workshops and only recently I found out that Izam Said is the editor of CONFEX. Under CONFEX, the team will be launching a new magazine on automotive which will be another platform for car enthusiasts to learn more about the cars especially in the Brunei market.

This will be the first of its kind that features an 80-paged automative magazine for the benefit of the readers. This is another avenue for car dealers or distributors to showcase their cars and even anything related to cars on Motoring BN.

Izam Said is confident that the magazine will be a success and despite the shift of information world through technology, he believes that having something “tangible” like a magazine is still trend. I do agree with him on that since I also collect and buy computer, film and wrestling magazines due to the tangibility factor.

For your info, every quarter, Motoring BN will print 15,000 copies and it will be sold on news stand at a price of BND 6.80. The pre-order subscriptions have been overwhelming for the first issue and he hopes there will be enough for the 1st edition to be sold in local book stores.

So what can you expect from Motoring BN magazine? They have a mixture of local and foreign writers who will contribute to the magazine. One segment that will catch the interest of the ladies will be “Heels on Wheels” by Tracy Ramantan.

The magazine is said to be launched sometime in July. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the magazine and I believe Izam Said is the right man to lead the show. I’m proud that he has taken a new adventure on his passion to another new level. Keep it up, buddy!!

For those who are interested to advertise for the next issue, you can contact 8282 212. For those who want to subscribe, you can click here for the pre-orders. You can also follow them on IG @motoringbn

Waleed Pehin Dato Mahdini, Izam Said and Tracy Ramantan

This will be the cover of the first edition of Motoring BN